Bill > HB879

This bill amends Georgia's existing law regarding school bus safety violations, introducing several key changes. The legislation modifies penalties for drivers who fail to stop for school buses with visual signals activated, removing the "high and aggravated" misdemeanor classification while maintaining a fine range of $500 to $1,000. The bill allows courts to modify, suspend, or alter these penalties, providing more judicial discretion. When a school bus camera captures a violation, the law enforcement agency must mail a citation to the vehicle owner, obtained through the Department of Revenue records, which now must include a conspicuous statement in at least 12-point font stating "YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO CONTEST THIS PENALTY IN COURT". Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "school safety purposes" to include a broad range of protective measures like access control systems, communication systems, cyber security, surveillance, and mental health support services. Importantly, the bill changes how money collected from these violations is allocated, requiring that funds be distributed equally among all schools within the jurisdiction for school safety purposes, rather than only funding law enforcement or public safety initiatives as previously stipulated.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71846